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cable recommendations

I just took the plunge I bought my first proper 2-channel system, which consists of a pair of VTL MB-450 tube monoblocks, VTL 5.5 preamp and Dynaudio C1 speakers. The only things missing from my system are cables and better front end (I currently a Technics SL-1200 going into a Cambridge Audio 640p phono preamp, and a Squeezebox for my digital stuff).

I listen to a variety of styles of music, so I guess I'm looking for a speaker cable that's pretty neutral (since I'm guessing the VTL amps in triode mode will color the sound a bit anyway). I'm currently thinking of using Nordost Red Dawn for speaker and balanced connection between pre and power amp. For source interconnects I'm thinking either Red Dawn or Cardas Cross.

Thoughts?
jibbonacci
mhedges
180 posts
 
I would give Signal Cable or Blue Jeans Cable products a try, and then later try some more expensive stuff if you want to.

Mark
samhar
1,048 posts
 
I'd try copper only first with the great equipment you've assembled. Give them plenty of time to settle in and give yourself time to discover how much information is there, copper's richness and detail aren't in your face, so be patient and listen the detail is there. It took me time to go from silver to copper but now I don't see myself going back. I don't think you can go wrong with Cardas or Kimber if you want to move up in the line or out of the line both are resellable at a minimal of loss.
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dogmcd
115 posts
 
If you want best bang for the buck, try PNF Audio. it will impart the least sonic signature of its own on your system and will do what a cable should, cleanly transfer a signal. The PNF Symphony speaker cables and ICON ic's together can't be beat unless you spend orders of magnitude more, and even then I'm not convinced you'll get truly better performance.
vernneal's avatar
vernneal
438 posts
 
see DIY below
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